Reputedly powered by the most advanced electric motor and battery system General Motors has ever built, the Spark EV is claimed to set the performance benchmark for electric city cars.

The Spark EV’s electric motor produces a useful 128bhp and a substantial 400lb ft. This allows the Chevrolet to go from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds.

Power is sourced from a lithium-ion battery system that features active liquid cooling and heating to optimise its capacity and life.

Chevrolet hasn't disclosed the Spark EV’s potential range yet, but a fast-charging system allows the car to be charged to 80 per cent in 20 minutes.

Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe, said: "Just like Volt, this nimble battery-powered vehicle is a proof point for Chevrolet’s ingenuity in delivering smart mobility solutions."

Inside the Spark features a pair of seven-inch full colour LCD screens, one which functions as the instrument cluster and the other as the interface for the Spark’s media systems and climate control.

Chevrolet's Spark EV will also feature GM's MyLink system, allowing drivers to connect smartphones to the car for music playback, internet connectivity and navigation. A rear-view camera is also fitted as standard.

With more conventional looks and improved performance, the Spark EV will likely make an appealing alternative to other small electric cars, such as the Citroën C-Zero and the Mitsubishi i-Miev.

I can't see the point in providing an EV with so much performance. This only gives the user the opportunity to discharge the battery at an even faster rate than normal further limiting what is likely to be a very poor range. It also means that the brakes, driveshafts etc have to be upgraded (and made heavier) to suit. Plus it's likely to make the car uninsurable to half the potential market.

The fact that neither the battery capacity nor the range is stated confirms that the basic EV problems remain.

I can't see the point in providing an EV with so much performance. This only gives the user the opportunity to discharge the battery at an even faster rate than normal further limiting what is likely to be a very poor range. It also means that the brakes, driveshafts etc have to be upgraded (and made heavier) to suit. Plus it's likely to make the car uninsurable to half the potential market.

The fact that neither the battery capacity nor the range is stated confirms that the basic EV problems remain.

But I guess it's a good publicity stunt!

Erm.... isn't that a bit like saying "those BMW's are too powerful. They can't possibly give 20 to the gallon if people keep driving them fast everywhere..." Surely it's up to the Driver to drive at their own pace?

To invest in any electric car you have to put a lot of faith in David Cammeron who has to decide if we should build more Nuclear Power Plants to have some ability to control our ever increasing energy costs.

The problem with that of course is DC can't even decide if he is straight or Gay.!!